Blender base with food processor capabilities

ABSTRACT

A blender base that may be used with a food processor container, a blender container, and a single use beverage container. The blender container includes a novel blade unit having a food processor-style blade and blender type blades. Programs with preprogrammed motor commands for desired operations are stored in memory and may be selected by a user on a user interface. The user interface may include a liquid crystal display, or function switches and light emitting diodes. Upon selection of a particular pre-defined function, the microcontroller retrieves the appropriate program from the read only memory and specifies the preprogrammed motor commands to accomplish the selected function.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to household appliances, andmore particularly to blenders and food processors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Blenders are household devices often used to blend or mix drinks orliquids. On the other hand, food processors are household devicescommonly used to chop, cut, slice, and/or mix various solid foods suchas vegetables, fruits, or meats. Different blade designs and rotationspeeds are used in a blender or a food processor in order to accomplishthe mixing or cutting actions desired.

Conventional household blenders typically have a motor connected to ablade assembly, and the speed of the rotating blade or motor may bevaried based on selections made by the user. For example, U.S. Pat. No.3,678,288 to Swanke et al. describes a blender having seven speedselection push buttons. The push-buttons drive slider elements thatclose switches so as to selectively energize various combinations offields in a drive motor having multiple fields. Field selection providesseven speeds in a high range. Seven speeds in a low range are obtainedby applying only half cycles of the AC energizing voltage to the motorwhen certain combinations of the switches are actuated. Once a speedselection push button is depressed, the motor is energized until an OFFswitch is actuated. The device also has a jogger or pulse modepushbutton that energizes the motor at one speed only as long as thepushbutton is depressed. Pulsing the motor on/off or at high and thenlow speeds permits the material being blended to fall back to the regionof the cutting knives thereby improving the blending or mixing of thematerial.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,951,351 to Ernster et al. describes a blender having arotary switch for selecting a high or low range of speeds and fivepushbutton switches for selecting a speed within the selected range. Thepushbutton switches connect various segments of the motor field windingin the energizing circuit. This device also includes a pulse modepushbutton that causes energization of the motor only as long as thepushbutton is depressed. The motor may be energized in the pulse mode atany selected speed.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,548,280 to Cockroft describes a blender provided with 10speed selection switches. A SCR is connected in series with the motorand has a control electrode connected to resistances that are broughtinto the electrode circuit by actuation of the speed selection switchesto control the angle of firing of the SCR and thus the speed of themotor. This device also has a mode selection switch for selecting themanual mode or a cycling or pulse mode in which the motor is alternatelyenergized and deenergized over a plurality of cycles, the number ofcycles being set by a potentiometer controlled by a rotatable knob. In apreferred embodiment, the on and off intervals are set duringmanufacture but two potentiometers may be provided to enable an operatorto vary the on and off times.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,347,205 to Piland describes a blender with amicrocontroller for controlling energization of the blender drive motor.The speed of the motor is determined by a manual selection of N speedrange selection switches, M speed selection switches, and a pulse modeswitch.

Typically, the blade attachment in conventional blenders consists of twogenerally U-shaped blades, a top blade and a bottom blade, joinedtogether at a central point with their respective ends oriented inopposite directions. Because of this blender blade design, conventionalblenders usually are not able to successfully chop, slice, or cut solidfood because solid food does not flow into the U-shaped blades withoutadding liquid. Although the solids may make some contact with theblades, typically at least some liquid must be added to the blender inorder to successfully liquefy or cut the solid food into very smallpieces.

Another drawback with blenders is the number of different operationsthat must be performed to successfully blend a mixture. Typically, toblend or mix items in a blender, a user will press a sequence of buttonson the blender. For example, to chop ice, a user may hit a slow button,wait a while, hit a faster speed, wait, hit yet a faster speed, etc. Theuser may have to stop the blending process to dislodge ice or to assurethe ice is coming into contact with the blades. This process can be veryfrustrating, and with conventional blenders may still result in anunsatisfactory chopping or blending of the items in the blender.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a blender isprovided that is programmed to accomplish predetermined functions androutines. The routines are preprogrammed into a microcontroller of theblender and include motor commands that are automatically accessed andimplemented upon selection of a desired function. For example, theblender may be preprogrammed with a plurality of routines designed forparticular food or drink items, such as by taking a particular sequenceof motor commands (e.g., direction of rotation, speed, duration or timeof rotation, etc.) which are automatically implemented based on thefunction (e.g., end result) selected by the user.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a blender includesa blender base, a container, and a blade base having a blade unitmounted thereon. The blender base includes a motor, a microcontroller, asensor, and a user interface. The microcontroller is in communicationwith the motor, and user interface, and can include read only memory,nonvolatile memory, and a central processing unit. The programs withpreprogrammed motor commands are stored in the read only memory.

The motor is preferably operable to rotate the blade unit in forward andreverse directions, and to oscillate the blade unit as desired. In apreferred embodiment, the motor is a dual wound motor, but otherconfigurations may be used.

The connection between a shaft for the motor and the blade base may beimplemented in a number of ways, but preferably is formed by a male tofemale connection. In accordance with one aspect of the presentinvention, both the female and male connection pieces are made of metal.This connection permits a close tolerance fit, as well as a low wearconnection. To prevent shock to a user, in accordance with anotheraspect of the present invention, an insulating bushing is used toisolate the outer surface of the male drive from the metal shaft of themotor. Preferably, the insulating bushing is captured within the maledrive member, adding stability and limiting shear stresses in thebushing.

The blender base may be utilized with a number of different components,including a jar having an integral collar, a threaded jar, a singleserving beverage container, and a food processor. The jars may include anonstick coating, such as Teflon. One or more sensors may be present onthe blender base to detect the presence of and type of container inwhich the mixing or processing will take place.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a novelblade unit is provided for a blender. The blade unit enables improvedfood processing and chopping capabilities. The blade unit is mounted ona blade base, and includes a generally U-shaped blade assembly such asis used in contemporary blenders. In addition, the blade unit includes asecond blade assembly that extends substantially radially to the drivingaxis of the blade unit. In an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, a third blade assembly is provided that is also generallyU-shaped. In this exemplary embodiment, the first blade assembly isarranged so that its blades extend upward, and the third blade assemblyis arranged so that its blades extend downward. The second,radially-extending blade assembly is sandwiched between the first andthird blade assemblies.

A detachment mechanism may be provided that permits a user to easilydetach the blade unit from its base. In addition, in accordance withanother aspect of the present invention, a cap for the jar is configuredso that it fits into the blade base and can be used to remove the bladebase from the jar.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a sensor isprovided that is arranged and configured to determine strain on themotor. For some routines that are executed by the blender base, if thestrain exceeds a threshold, then the microcontroller instructs the motorto reverse directions, permitting dislodging of blocking particles.

Other features and advantages will become apparent from the followingdetailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings, inwhich:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front, left, perspective view of a blender base andcontainer incorporating the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a number of componentsthat may be attached to the blender base of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the blender base and blendercontainer of FIG. 1, showing a blade base that connects to the blenderbase;

FIG. 4 is a back, left perspective view of the blender base of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cutaway view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of a jar for the blender containerof FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a lid and cap assembly for usewith blender container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the blade base and blade unit shown inFIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the top blade for the blade unit shown in FIG.8;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the bottom blade for the blade unit shown inFIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the middle blade for the blade unit shown inFIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a blade unit utilizing an extractionmechanism in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a cutaway view of the extraction mechanism of FIG. 12, withthe extraction mechanism shown in a released position;

FIG. 14 is a cutaway view of the extraction mechanism of FIG. 12, withthe extraction mechanism shown in a locked position;

FIG. 15 is a bottom exploded perspective view of the blender containerof FIG. 1, with the cap of FIG. 7 shown aligned with the blade base;

FIG. 16 is a partial cutaway of the bottom of the blender jar of FIG. 1,showing a beginning step of inserting the blade base with the cap;

FIG. 17 is a partial cutaway, similar to FIG. 16, showing a further stepof inserting the blade base with the cap;

FIG. 18 is a partial cutaway, similar to FIGS. 16 and 17, showing fullinsertion of the blade base with the cap;

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view showing how a single servingbeverage container attaches to a collar and fits onto the blender baseof FIG. 1;

FIG. 20 is a side perspective view showing attachment of a foodprocessor to the blender base of FIG. 1;

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing components that may be used toimplement the features of the blender base of FIG. 1;

FIG. 22 is a simplified circuit diagram for a motor that may be usedwith the blender base of FIG. 1;

FIG. 23 is a simplified circuit diagram for another motor that may beused with the blender base of FIG. 1;

FIG. 24 is a simplified circuit diagram for yet another motor that maybe used with the blender base of FIG. 1;

FIG. 25 shows a routine that may be implemented by the blender base ofFIG. 1 to mix powdered drinks;

FIG. 26 shows a routine that may be implemented by the blender base ofFIG. 1 to make batter;

FIG. 27 shows a routine that may be implemented by the blender base ofFIG. 1 to form a milkshake;

FIG. 28 shows an example of a user interface that may be used on theblender base of FIG. 1;

FIG. 29 shows a second example of a user interface that may be used onthe blender base of FIG. 1;

FIG. 30 shows a third example of a user interface that may be used onthe blender base of FIG. 1;

FIG. 31 shows a method of operating the blender base of

FIG. 1 with the user interface of FIG. 28 in accordance with one aspectof the present invention;

FIG. 32 shows a method of operating the blender base of FIG. 1 with theuser interface of FIG. 29 or 30 in accordance with another aspect of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 33-37 show displays of some functions that may be presented by theuser interface of FIG. 29; and

FIG. 38 shows a method of enabling functions for a blender base inaccordance with a particular container sensed the blender base inaccordance with one aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, various aspects of the present inventionwill be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurationsand details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understandingof the present invention. However, it will also be apparent to oneskilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced withoutthe specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted orsimplified in order not to obscure the present invention.

Referring now to the drawing, in which like reference numerals representlike parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows a blender 30incorporating many features of the present invention. Briefly described,in accordance with one aspect of the invention and as is best shown inFIG. 2, the blender 30 includes a blender base 32 that may be utilizedwith a number of different components, including a jar 34 having anintegral collar (hereinafter “collared jar 34”), a threaded jar 36, asingle serving beverage container 38, and a food processor 40. Assubsequently described, the blender base 32 is preprogrammed with aplurality of routines designed for particular food or drink items, forexample, by taking a particular sequence of motor commands (e.g.,direction of rotation, speed, duration or time of rotation, etc.) whichare automatically implemented based on the function (e.g., end result)selected by the user. Additionally, sensors may be present on theapparatus of the present invention to detect the presence of and type ofcontainer in which the mixing or processing will take place. Other novelfeatures of the present invention will become apparent below.

Turning now to FIG. 3, the blender base 32 includes four feet 42 forplacing the blender base on a surface such as a table. Rounded, taperedsides 43 lead to an attachment base 44. An attachment protrusion 46 ismounted on the top of the attachment base 44, and includes tapered sideshaving alternating triangular-shaped concave surfaces 48 and convexsurfaces 50 (detail is further shown in FIG. 4). The upper outer shellof the blender base 32 may be extruded as a single piece of plastic, oralternatively may be cast as several pieces and assembled. In addition,the blender base may be formed of other suitable materials, such asmetal, for example.

The concave surfaces 48 are configured so that their bases are at thetop of the attachment protrusion, whereas the convex surfaces 50 areconfigured so that their bases are at the bottom. The top 52 of theattachment protrusion 46 is flat, and includes a rotation lock 54 and amale drive element 56. The rotation lock 54 is preferably a maleprotrusion shaped like a fin. The male drive element 56 is shaped like agear and includes a number of teeth 58 (FIG. 4). In the embodimentshown, there are 16 teeth, but the male drive element 56 may be designedto have any number of teeth as appropriate.

The male drive element 56 is preferably formed of metal, and, as issubsequently described, a corresponding female drive element forcontainers that are attached to the blender base is also preferablymetal. The metal-to-metal contact ensures limited wear, a closetolerance fitting, and reduces the likelihood of broken parts. However,one problem that may be encountered with a metal-to-metal connection isthat, if an electrical motor is used, a user may experience shock fromvoltage flowing through the male drive element 56. To alleviate thisproblem, as can be seen in FIG. 5, the present invention utilizes aninsulating bushing 60 to insulate the male drive element 56 from a motorshaft 64. To do so, the male drive element includes an outer ring 62 andan inner metal attachment 63. The teeth 58 are mounted on the outside ofthe outer ring 62. The inner metal attachment 63 fits onto the motorshaft 64. The insulating bushing 60 is preferably formed of rubber,although any insulating material may be used.

The insulating bushing 60 is designed and arranged so that it fits fullyinside the outer ring 62. In addition, the metal attachment 63 ispreferably designed and configured so that the metal attachment fitsfully within the bushing 60. This structure offers maximal stability, inthat most shear stresses applied by the motor shaft 64 may be uniformlytransferred to the outer ring 62 through the bushing 60. Thus, a shearalong the length of the bushing (i.e., top to bottom in FIG. 5) does notoccur. Although variations of this structure may be used, it ispreferred that the metal attachment 64 be at least partially surroundedby the outer ring 62, so that the outer ring and metal attachment'sstiff structures may provide stability for the bushing 60, and so thatshear forces in the bushing may be minimized.

A pair of first and second sensor switches 66, 67 (FIG. 4) are includedat the junction of the top 52 and the convex and concave surfaces 48,50, the function of which is subsequently described. In the embodimentof the blender base 32 shown in the drawings, the first and secondsensor switches 66, 67 are mounted on opposite side of the apex of oneof the convex surfaces 50.

A user interface panel 68 is mounted on the front of the rounded,tapered sides 43. As described below, various user interfaces may bedisplayed on the user interface panel 68.

The blender base 32 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 with the collared jar 34.However, as described above, the blender base 32 may be used with anynumber of different blending or processing units that may servedifferent or overlapping functions. In general, each blending orprocessing unit that is to be used with the blender base 32 includes acontainer and a blade assembly of some kind. The blender base 32includes a drive mechanism and attachment method that allows the blenderto be used with the different containers. As described subsequently,this container flexibility even allows the blender base 32 to operatepurely as a food processor, if desired.

The collared jar 34 is one example of a container that may be used withthe blender base 32. The collared jar 34 is preferably generallycylindrical in shape, and includes a handle 70 and a pouring spout 72.The cylindrical shape promotes better mixing and minimizes accumulationof food or materials that may occur in containers having cross sectionalareas with edges or corners. However, other shapes for the container maybe used.

The collared jar 34 can be made from glass, plastic, metal, or any othersuitable, nontoxic material which can resist high stress. Additionally,the inside of collared jar 34 may be coated with non-stick coating suchas Teflon® and the like to allow for better mixing or easier cleaning.

The sides of the collared jar 34 taper outward from a location justbelow the bottom juncture of the handle 70 and the sides, to both theopen top of the collared jar and the open bottom. The upper, tapered,shape promotes good blending and processing of items in the collared jar34, because it promotes flow of the items downward to the bottom of thecollared jar.

The bottom end of the collared jar 34 is opened so that it fits over theattachment protrusion 46 of the blender base 32. In this manner, thebottom end of the collared jar 34 serves as a collar that fits over theattachment protrusion 46 of the blender base 32. As can be seen in FIG.6, the lower inside of the collared jar 34 includes a scalloped surface.The scalloped surface includes a series of concave triangular sections74 connected at their bases, with the bases extending along the bottomedge of the collared jar 34. Flat surfaces 76 extend between the areasdefined between the concave triangular sections 74. The concavetriangular sections 74 and the flat surfaces 76 are arranged andconfigured so that when the collared jar 34 is fitted onto theattachment protrusion 46 of the blender base 32, the concave triangularsections 74 fit over and against the convex surfaces 50 of therectangular protrusion, and the flat surfaces 76 fit against the concavesurfaces 48 of the attachment protrusion. In this manner, the collaredjar 34 does not rotate when placed on the attachment protrusion 46 ofthe blender base 32.

Markings 78 (FIG. 6 only) indicating various ingredient levels forrecipes may be placed onto the collared jar 34 to assist the user. Forexample, there may be markings 78 on the collared jar 34 to illustratethe proper amounts of ice and liquid to use for making a particulardrink (e.g., a frozen margarita). Such markings 78 can be a permanent,such as by etching or embossing the markings on the collared jar 78.Alternatively, the markings 78 may be removable (e.g., removablestickers) that are included with the collared jar 34, or that aresupplied separately to a user (e.g., with a recipe mix or the like).

A series of switch activators 80 (FIG. 6) are included on the insidesurface of the collared jar 34. The switch activators 80 are maleprotrusions that are located just to one side of the junction of theconcave triangular sections 74 and the flat surfaces 76 and are alignedand configured so that one of the switch activators abuts and engagesthe second sensor switch 67 so the second sensor switch 67 is depressedwhen the collared jar is pressed into position against the attachmentprotrusion 46 of the blender base 32. By providing switch activators 80at each of these junctures, one of the switch activators is arranged toengage and depress the second sensor switch 67 upon placing the collaredjar 34 onto the attachment protrusion 46 of the blender base 32,regardless of how the collared jar is rotated relative to the blenderbase. The function of depressing the second sensor switch 67 isdescribed further below.

A lid 82 (FIG. 3) is provided that fits over the upper opening of thecollared jar 34. As can best be seen in FIG. 7, the lid 82 includesflanges 84, made of rubber, TPE, or another suitable material, at abottom edge for snuggly fitting into the upper opening of the collaredjar 34. A central hole 86 extends through the center of the lid 82 andincludes tapered outer edges 88. The central hole 86 provides areceptacle through which ingredients, such as ice or liquids, may beadded to the collared jar 34.

A removable cap 90 fits into the central hole 86. The removable cap 90includes finger grips 92, 94 at top, outer edges, for gripping the capand removing it from the central hole 86. A cylindrical extension 96extends out of the bottom of the cap 90. The cylindrical extension 96fits snugly into, and closes the central hole 86 in the lid 82 when thecap 90 is placed in the lid. The cylindrical extension 96 includes aseries of notches 98 evenly spaced along its bottom edge, the functionof which is described below.

An abutment surface 100 (FIG. 6) is provided above the scalloped innersurface of the collared jar 34, and is arranged to abut against a topsurface 102 (FIG. 8) of a blade base 110. When inserted onto thecollared jar 34, the blade base 110 forms a sealed bottom for thecollared jar, and the two elements form an opened-top container.Although described as being removably attachable (i.e., by threads) tothe collared jar, the blade base 90 may be permanently or removablyattached to the bottom of the collared jar 34 or another container.However, providing a removable blade base 110 permits easier cleaning ofthe blender 30.

The blade base 110 includes a novel blade unit 112 that enables theblender 30 to have improved food-processing capabilities. The blade unit112 may include any number of blades, but preferably includes at leastone generally U-shaped blade assembly such as is used in contemporaryblenders. In addition, the blade unit 112 includes a second bladeassembly that extends substantially radially relative to the rotationalaxis of the blade unit.

The blade unit 112, as shown in an exemplary embodiment in FIG. 8,includes a top or first blade assembly 114, a middle or second bladeassembly 116, and a third or bottom blade assembly 118. The bladeassemblies 114, 116, 118 may be made of any durable material such asmetal, steel, carbon, etc. which can be sharpened and withstand highstress and heat.

The top blade assembly 114 and the bottom blade assembly 118 arepreferably similar to conventional blender blade designs (i.e., one ormore generally U-shaped blades). In particular, as shown in FIG. 9, thetop blade assembly 114 includes a central, substantially flat base 120that extends generally radially with respect to the rotational axis ofthe blade unit 112. A first blade 122 extends at a first angle upwardfrom the base 120, and a second blade 124 extends at a second angle fromthe base. Providing the two blades 122, 124 at different angles from thebase provides enhanced blending and processing. Preferably, the blades122, 124 are formed integrally with the base 120.

The bottom blade assembly 118 (FIG. 10) also includes a base 130 thatextends generally radially with respect to the rotational axis of theblade unit 112. First and second curved blades 132, 134 are preferablyformed integral with the base 130, and extend downward and outward fromthe ends of the base 130. The curved shape of the blades enhancesblending and processing, and permits the edges of the blades to extendto adjacent the bottom of the container formed by the collared jar 34and the blade unit 112. In this manner, blended and processed items aredislodged and forced upward from the bottom of the container.

The middle blade assembly 116 has, for example, a food processor bladedesign (i.e., one or more blades that extend generally radially from therotational axis of the blade unit 112). In an exemplary embodiment shownin FIG. 11, the middle blade assembly 116 includes a central base 136and first and second blades 138, 140. The blades 138, 140 are coplanarwith the base 136 and are curved, but may be straight in alternateembodiments. The central base 136 and the first and second blades 138,140 are preferably integrally formed, but may be formed as separateelements. In addition, the two blades 138, 140 may be provide onalternate bases, and may be spaced axially from one another so that theyare not located in the same plane.

As subsequently described, the blender base 32 is preferably designed sothat the blade unit 112 may be rotated in forward and backwarddirections, and/or may be oscillated. If a reverse function is provided,the blades 122, 124, 132, 134, 138, 140 may be sharpened on leadingedges, and blunt on opposite edges, or may be sharpened on both (i.e.,opposite) edges. In addition, if desired, one or more of the blades maybe provided with different sharpened surface, such as a serrated edge,to enhance or change the cutting of the blades. For example, for theembodiment of the middle blade assembly 116 shown in FIG. 11, the blades138, 140 include sharpened leading edges 142, 144, and blunt trailingedges 146, 148. As defined herein, the leading edges are the edges thatare forward (i.e., hit the blended items first) when the blade unit istraveling in the forward direction. The trailing edges are the rearmost(i.e., hit the blended items last) parts of the blades when the bladestravel in the forward direction. Providing a blunt edge on the trailingend has been found to enhance mixing when the blade unit is rotated in areverse direction, whereas sharpening both edges has been found toincrease the cutting action of the blades and blending when rotated inthe reverse direction or oscillated.

The middle blade assembly 116 is sandwiched between the top bladeassembly 114 and the bottom blade assembly 118, and the three bladeassemblies are mounted on an upwardly extending rotational shaft 150. Assubsequently described, when the blade unit 112 and collared jar 34 areplaced on the blender base 32, the shaft 150 is rotated by the blenderbase 32, which in turn rotates the combined blade unit 112,

It has been discovered that including a food processor design blade(e.g., the middle blade assembly 116) in combination with one or twoconventional blender design blades (e.g., the top blade assembly 114 andthe bottom blade assembly 118) enables the blender 30 to have superiorchopping, cutting, and slicing capabilities. Specifically, the foodprocessor design blade often comes into contact with items that aremissed by conventional blender design blades. In addition, for thoseitems that are contacted, the food processor design blade hits them moredirectly, most likely because the blade is not at an angle with respectto the axis of rotation of the blade unit 112. The blade assemblies maybe spaced differently than they are spaced in the shown embodiment, butit has been found that locating the blade assemblies adjacent to oneanother in the sandwiched configuration provides these enhanced cuttingfeatures, and provides the least amount of interference for placing intothe container items that are to be blended.

The blade unit 112 may be permanently or removably attached to the bladebase 110, and in one embodiment is riveted to the shaft 150 with awasher 152 (FIG. 8). For example, the end of the shaft may be deformedusing an orbital riveting process to lock the blade unit in place, andthe washer may be used to help hold the blade unit in place. In analternate embodiment shown in FIGS. 12-14, the blade unit 112 mayinclude an optional extraction mechanism 160 that allows a user todisengage blade unit 112 from blade base 110. By removing the blade unit112, the container formed by the blade base 110 and the collared jar 34may serve as a pitcher, and the blade unit 112 may be easier to clean.

In an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the extraction mechanism160 comprises a conical-shaped cap 162 that snaps over a rotation shaft164 for the blade unit 112. The conical-shaped cap 162 may be made ofrubber, plastic, or any other suitable nontoxic material. Theconical-shaped cap 162 includes a hollow interior (FIG. 13) having alower, tapered surface 166 that extends downward to a narrowed, flatportion 168 at its lower surface. A spring 170 is mounted inside theupper end of the conical-shaped cap 162, and is arranged to pushdownward on a washer 172. A ball bearing 174 (or alternatively, aplurality of ball bearings) is captured inside the conical-shaped cap162 and below the washer 172.

To attach the extraction mechanism 160, the cap 162 is pressed onto theshaft 164. As the cap 162 is pressed downward, the ball bearing 174 orbearings are swedged between the tapered surface 166 and the shaft 164(FIG. 12). The spring 170 maintains the ball bearing 174 in thisposition, and the friction caused by the pressure of the spring 170pressing the ball bearing against the shaft keeps the cap 162 in place.If upward pressure is placed on the cap 162, for example by the bladeunit 112 or by a user trying to pull up on the cap, the ball bearing 174is further driven into the shaft 164 by the relationship of the taperedsurface 166 and the shaft.

To remove the cap 162, a user may press inward on the sides of the cap(FIG. 14), which drives the washer 172 up the tapered surface 166against the force of the spring. This movement releases the tensionplaced on the ball bearing 174, allowing it to roll freely into thespace defined by the tapered surface 166, the washer 172, and the shaft164. With the pressure and friction of the ball bearing 174 removed fromthe shaft 164, the user may then easily remove the cap 162 from theshaft.

Other extraction mechanisms may be used. For example, a pair of locknuts may be used. However, an advantage of the described extractionmechanism 160 is that it does not require tools for a user to remove theblade unit 112.

As can be seen in FIG. 15, the bottom side of the blade base 110includes a female connector 180 that is designed to fit on the maledrive element 56. The female connector 180 is preferably formed ofmetal, so the male drive element 56 and the female connector may utilizea metal-to-metal connection as described above. The female connector 180is rotatably mounted in the blade base 110 and is fixed to rotate withthe shaft 150 (FIG. 8). The bottom side of the blade base 110 alsoincludes radially-extending ribs 182.

The outer circumference of the blade base 110 includes a series ofevenly spaced cam surfaces 184 (best shown in FIG. 8). The cam surfaces184 include an indentation 186.

To mount the blade base 110, the blade base is grasped by a user (e.g.,by the ribs 182), and is inserted into the bottom of the collared jar 34until the cam surfaces 184 extend between and beyond the switchactuators 80 on the collared jar and into contact with the abuttingsurface 100 (FIG. 17). A gasket 188 (FIG. 15), made of rubber or othermaterial, may be utilized to provide a snug fit of the blade base withthe abutting surface 100. The blade base 110 is then rotated until thecam surfaces 184 engage the switch actuators 80. As rotation continues,the cam surfaces 184 slide along the top of the switch actuators 80,gradually pressing the blade base 110 against the gasket 188, until theswitch actuators 80 are located in the indentations 186. The blade base110 is now in place, and the indentations prevent accidentaldisconnection of the blade base from the collared jar. The blade base110 may be removed by pushing the blade base in (effectively compressingthe gasket 188) to remove the switch actuators 80 from the indentations186, and the blade base is rotated and removed to move the switchactuators to a position where they are free of the cam surfaces 184. Theblade base 110 may then be pulled out of the bottom of the collared jar34.

As shown in an exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 15-18, the cap 90 isdesigned so that it may be used to disengage and remove the blade base110 from the collared jar 34. As described earlier, the cap 90 includesnotches 98. These notches 98 align with the ribs 182 on the blade base110 to form a fitted connection for easier disengagement (e.g., byturning) of the blade base 110 from the collared jar 34.

To remove the blade base 110 using the cap 90, the cap is removed fromthe lid 82 (e.g., by grasping the cap with the finger grips 92, 94). Thenotches 98 are aligned with and inserted on the ribs 182, and the userpresses the cap forward into the bottom of the collared jar 34 (FIG. 16)until the cam surfaces 184 extend between and beyond the switchactuators 80 on the collared jar and into contact with the abuttingsurface 100 (FIG. 17). The user then rotates the cap 90 and blade base110 to lock the blade base into position, as described earlier. The capmay be similarly used to remove the blade base 110 from the collared jar34.

When placed on the blender base 32, one of the ribs 182 on the bladebase 110 engages the rotation lock 54. In this manner, the drivingaction of the male drive element 56 does not rotate the blade base 110off of the collared jar 34 when the motor rotates the blade unit in areverse direction.

As an alternative to the blade base 110 and the collared jar 34, anagitator collar 190 (FIG. 2) may be used with the blender base 32. Theagitator collar 190 includes essentially the same features as the bottomportion of the collared jar 34 and the blade base 110. That is, theagitator collar 190 includes a blade unit 112A, a female drive member,the scalloped inner surfaces that are found on the lower inside of thecollared jar 34, and switch activators. However, in a preferredembodiment, the features of the blade base 110 are formed integrallywith the agitator collar 190, as opposed to the connection that is usedto attach the blade base 110 to the collared jar 34. In addition, theagitator collar 190 includes internal threads 192 (FIG. 19) at theupper, inside portion of the agitator collar.

The threaded jar 36 (FIG. 2) includes male threads 194 that mate withthe internal threads 192 on the agitator collar 190. Otherwise, thethreaded jar 36 is configured similarly to the top portion of thecollared jar 34. The lid 82 and the cap 90 may be utilized with thethreaded jar 36, or another top may be provided. An advantage of thethreaded jar 36 is that it may be produced out of a different materialthan the collared jar 34, providing a user additional versatility. Forexample, the threaded jar 36 may be formed of glass, wherein thecollared jar could be formed of plastic. Another advantage is that theagitator collar 190 may be used with other containers, as describedbelow.

To use the threaded jar 36, the agitator collar 190 is threaded onto themale threads 194, and the combined agitator collar and threaded jar aremounted on the blender base 32. A gasket 195 may be used to assure asnug fit.

The single serving beverage container 38 (FIG. 2) may also be used withthe agitator collar 190. To this end, the single serving beveragecontainer 38 includes male threads 196 at an upper end for mating withthe internal threads 192 on the agitator collar 190.

The single serving beverage container 38 (shown also in FIG. 19 isslightly tapered along its length, and preferably is sized to fit into auser's hand as well as a typical beverage holder in automobiles. Aremovable cap 198 (FIG. 2) is provided that may be screwed onto the malethreads 196. The removable cap 198 may include a drinking hole, and/ormay include a closure tab to avoid spillage.

To use the single serving beverage container 38, the cap 198 is removed(if present), and beverage ingredients are placed in the single servingbeverage container 38. The agitator collar 190 is then screwed onto themale threads 196. A gasket 199 may be used to assure a snug fit. Thesingle serving beverage container 38 and the agitator collar 190 arethen inverted (FIG. 19) and installed on the blender base 32. Thebeverage ingredients may then be mixed and/or blended by the blenderbase 32. The agitator collar 190 and the single serving beveragecontainer 38 are then removed, inverted, and the agitator collar isscrewed off of the single serving beverage container. The cap 198 maythen be screwed onto the single serving beverage container 38, and thesingle serving beverage container is ready for use.

The food processor 40 (FIGS. 2 and 20) may also be used with the blenderbase 32. To this end, the food processor 40 includes a drive collar 200that is configured much like the agitator collar 190 in that it includesa female drive member, the scalloped inner surfaces that are found onthe lower inside of the collared jar 34, and switch activators. However,the drive collar 200 does not include the blade unit 112. Instead, adrive shaft 201 (FIG. 2) extends out of the center of the drive collar200 and is connected for rotation with the female drive member. Inaddition, unlike the agitator collar 190, the switch activators on thedrive collar 200 are arranged and configured to engage the first sensorswitch 66 (whereas the switch actuators 80 on the agitator collar 190and the collared jar 34 are arranged and configured to engage the secondsensor switch 67). The function of this difference is subsequentlydescribed.

The remainder of the food processor 40 is of conventional design. Thefood processor 40 includes a food mixing tub 202 having a chopped foodexit chute 204, a mixing and chopping blade 206, and a lid 210. The lidincludes an entry port 212. A pressing tool 214 may be included to pressfood items through the entry port and into contact with the blade 206.

In use, the drive collar 200 is mounted on the blender base 32, and thefood tub 202 is placed over the drive shaft 201. The blade 206 is placedon the drive shaft and is connected in a suitable manner. The lid 210 isthen placed over the food tub 202. Food may then be inserted and pushedthrough the entry port 212. If desired, additional blades may beutilized that provide sweeping features so that the processed food mayexit the food exit chute 204.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a number of components that may beused for operation of the blender base 32 in accordance with one aspectof the present invention. As described in further detail below, a userinterface 222 is provided that allows a user to operate the blender 30manually and/or select from various preprogrammed functions available.The user interface 222 is connected to a microcontroller 224 whichincludes, for example, a central processing unit (cpu) 226, a read onlymemory 228 and a nonvolatile memory 230, such as electronically erasableprogrammable memory (“E² PROM”). However, although described with thesespecific components, the microcontroller 224 may include any software orhardware components that enable it to perform the functions describedherein. The microcontroller 224 is connected to or interfaced with apower source 232, a motor 234, and a display 236.

The motor 234 is connected to the shaft 201 and its operation rotatesthe blade unit 112. The motor 234 may be unidirectional (capable ofactuating or rotating the blade unit 3 in one direction only), orbi-directional (capable of actuating or rotating the blade unit 112 ineither direction).

The motor 234 may additionally be capable of oscillating the blade unit112.

A simplified circuit diagram for one embodiment of a motor 234 ₁ thatmay be used with the blender base 32 is shown in FIG. 22. The motor 234₁ has a single wound field, and thus typically has only two leads. Toreverse the motor 234 ₁, additional leads are provided from the motorthat separate the winding of the motor from the rotor of the motor. Onceseparated, reversing the wires on the rotor reverses the motor. Thecircuit shown in FIG. 22 utilizes a double pole double throw (DPDT)relay 240 to accomplish this function, and a triac 242 is used to forspeed control.

An alternative circuit for another single wound motor 234 ₂ is shown inFIG. 23. Instead of the DPDT relay 240 and the triac 242, the singlewound motor 234 ₂ in FIG. 23 utilizes four triacs 242, 244, 246, and 248to accomplish direction and speed control.

Although the single wound motors 234 ₁, 234 ₂, and related circuits workwell for their intended purpose, a problem with using the single woundmotors is complexity and cost of the switches.

To overcome this problem, a double wound motor 234 ₃ (FIG. 24) may beused for the blender base 32. Dual wound motors differ in that they havetwo separate windings on the field, one powered for the forwarddirection, and the other powered for reverse. The additional winding isof nominal cost, and only two triacs 250, 252 have to be used in thedesign, one for forward, and one for reverse. The control is greatlysimplified.

The motor 234 may also include a sensor 254 (FIG. 23). The sensor 254 isconfigured to provide the microcontroller 224 with information regardingthe strain placed on the motor during operation. The sensor may, forexample, utilize a hall effect sensor and a magnet to make a simpletachometer to measure the speed, and then compare the actual speed toknown values to determine if the motor is operating in a legitimateportion of the torque-speed curve such that the motor can cool itself.The sensor 254 sends a signal to the microcontroller 224 if the motor isnot operating in this portion. The microprocessor 224 may use thisinformation to alter a routine being operated by the motor, as issubsequently described.

As can be seen in FIG. 21, the first and second sensor switches 66, 67are connected or interfaced to the microcontroller 224. The sensorswitches 66, 67 are configured to detect the presence of a container onthe blender base 32, and to determine which type of container is placedon the blender base. To this end, the microcontroller 224 can determinethe presence of a container and/or the type of container by thecombination of switches 66, 67 that have been actuated (e.g., by theswitch actuators 80).

For example, the sensor switches 66, 67 may normally be in an openedposition. In such an embodiment, the microcontroller 224 may beprogrammed such that, if none of the switches are closed, then theblender base 32 will not operate. If, however, one or both of the sensorswitches 66, 67 is closed (e.g., by the switch actuators 80), thespecific switch or switches that are closed indicate to themicrocontroller exactly what container or type of container is on theblender base 32. As an example, when the collared jar 34 is placed onthe blender base 32, the sensor actuators 80 depress the second sensorswitch 67. Similarly, sensor actuators on the actuator collar 190depress the second sensor switch 67 when the actuator collar is placedon the blender base. In contrast, when the food processor 40 is placedon the blender base 32, the first sensor switch 66 is depressed. Yetanother container might engage and depress both the sensor switches 66,67. As subsequently described, the microcontroller 224 may use thecontainer information to provide particular functions for the blenderbase 32, or even to provide relative information on the display 236.

The sensor switches 66, 67 may be any kind of mechanical or electricalswitch, which sends a signal or command, or closes/opens a circuit whenactuated. Various sensor technologies (e.g., infrared, electrical,mechanical) may be used. Likewise, the switch actuators (e.g., theswitch actuator 80) may be any configuration or technology that isnecessary to trigger the sensor switches. In addition, more than twosensors may be used so that additional containers may be sensed. Asingle sensor may even be used that provides multiple functions (e.g.,the blender base 32 does not operate if the sensor is not depressed, afirst container presses the sensor one amount and sends a first signalto the microprocessor, and a second container presses the sensor asecond amount and sends a second signal to the processor.

As previously discussed, for the embodiment of the collared jar 34 shownin the drawing, a plurality of switch actuators 80 are provided so thatthe collared jar may be attached to the blender base 32 from anydirection and still trigger the proper sensor switch 67. As analternative, a plurality of sensor switches, and only one actuator maybe used, or a sensor switch and the corresponding actuator may becentrally located. In any event, it is preferred that, regardless thetype of switch, the switch may be actuated if the respective containeris placed on the blender base 32 in a variety of orientations.

Read only memory 228 is preprogrammed with various motor commands (e.g.,direction of rotation, speed, duration, reversing of rotation,oscillation, etc.) designed to achieve a particular result. Thepreprogrammed motor commands are grouped together according to afunction of the blender (e.g., the end result or purpose for which theblender will be used). For example, a first memory section 260 maycontain a program with all the motor commands necessary to make salsa,and a second memory section 262 may contain a program with all the motorcommands necessary to mix a drink, etc. These preprogrammed motorcomments or routines may be written using any conventional programminglanguage such as c plus, java, and the like.

The following is an example of a routine that works particularly wellfor salsa:

SALSA High Speed, Forward Pulse: 1 second High Speed, Reverse Pulse: 1second Repeat 29 times

The above sequence has been found to produce salsa having ingredientsthoroughly chopped, but none chopped so much as to make the salsa toofine. By alternating the forward and reverse pulses, the likelihood offood items being brought into contact with the blades increases. Byhaving only short bursts of the chopping, the salsa is not made toofine. Although the above process has been found to work well,variations, such as increasing the number of bursts, or the length ofthe bursts, may be made for particular tastes (e.g., chunky salsa,different ingredients, etc). The first memory section 260 maintainsinstructions for the blender base 32 so that it may implement the aboveroutine.

Examples of other routines are shown in FIGS. 25-27. These figures showexample preprogrammed routines 264, 266, and 268 for making powdereddrinks, batter, and milkshakes, respectively. Although the shownprocesses have been found to work well for their intended purposes, itcan be understood that the processes shown are examples and variationsof blender routines may produce similar results. The routines 264, 266,and 268 are written as executable instructions for the blender base 32,and are stored in discrete data sections of the read only memory 228. Assubsequently described, the preprogrammed routines may be accessed andimplemented upon selection on the user interface 222 of the relateddesired function for the blender base 32.

FIGS. 28, 29, and 30 illustrate exemplary embodiments for userinterfaces 222 ₁, 222 ₂, 222 ₃ which may be used with the blender base32. One type, shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, includes a liquid crystaldisplay (“LCD”) 270. A second type, shown in FIG. 28 may use one or morelight emitting diodes (“LED”) 272. Features that are common to the threeuser interfaces 222 ₁, 222 ₂, 222 ₃ will be explained first, followed bya description of the differences between the user interfaces.

A power switch 274 is included on the LCD and LED variants of the userinterface 222 to turn on or off the power. A start/stop switch 276 isalso included to begin or stop operation of the blender.

A pulse switch 278 is provided that, when depressed, causes a temporarypower surge to motor 234. In this manner, the pulse switch 234 serves asa temporary “start” button that will cause the motor to run, withouthitting start/stop switch 276, as long as the pulse switch remainsdepressed. The pulse switch 278 also can be depressed after running apreprogrammed routine to run a continuation segment of the preprogrammedroutine. To this end, the E² PROM 230 includes programming which storesinformation about the last operation run, and if that operation is apreprogrammed routine, the E² PROM may select an appropriate speed oroperation to perform when pulse switch 278 is depressed. For example,for a given preprogrammed routine (e.g., salsa), a continuationoperation may be stored in read only memory 228 (e.g., forward pulse, 1second, followed by reverse pulse, one second). The continuationfunction runs upon activation of the pulse switch 278. Alternatively,the last speed and motor direction utilized by the preprogrammed routinemay be stored in E² PROM 230, and that operation may be temporarilycontinued when a user pushes the pulse switch 278 after a program hasended. In any event, the continuation function continues to operateuntil the pulse switch 278 is released.

A pause/resume switch 279 may be used to stop the operation (e.g., apreprogrammed routine) of the blender when pressed a first time. Thepause/resume switch 279 resumes operation of the blender from where itleft off when pressed a second time.

The user interfaces 222 ₁, 222 ₂, 222 ₃ also include manual speedswitches 280 (high) and 282 (low) so that the user can manually controlthe speed and operating time of the blade unit 110 to perform otherfunctions not preprogrammed into the blender. If desired, a motor speedindicator may be provided for the user interfaces 222 ₂ and 222 ₃ sothat the user can monitor the relative speed of the motor (e.g., therelative speed of the rotation of blade unit 110) on the LCD 270 as themanual speed switches 280 or 282 are pressed. Such relative speed may beindicated by text, bars, symbols, or the like. With the LED-based userinterface 222 ₁, the relative speed of the motor may be indicated by theposition of the lighted LEDS 272 relative to speed markers 284 (e.g.,high, low; drink, food; etc.), or alternatively by the relative blinkingspeed of a lighted LED.

A plurality of preprogrammed function switches 286 are included on theLED-based user interface 222 ₁ s of FIG. 28. The function switches 286represent various programs for functions or end results that have beenpreprogrammed into the read only memory 228, as described above. Forexample, pressing or touching a function switch 290 labeled “salsa” willcause microcontroller 224 to access memory section 260 of read onlymemory 228 for the program containing preprogrammed motor commands usedto make salsa, and the preprogrammed commands (e.g., the commandsdescribed above) are executed by microcontroller 224 to control thespeed, pause time, and/or direction of the motor 234. To alert the userwhich function or program is running, a LED 292 can light up on theparticular function switch 286 that was pressed.

The LED-based variants user interface 222 ₁ shown in FIG. 28 may includea progress indicator 294 that indicates the relative completion of theprogram by color, lighted LED, or other suitable indication means.

As described above, the user interfaces 222 ₂ and 222 ₃ utilize thedisplay 236, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) 270 or another typeof display. In such an embodiment, the E² PROM 230 storesuser-selectable parameters for the initial operation of the blender base32. When the blender base 32 having an LCD 270 is turned on, the LCD 270is initialized and set up in accordance with the stored programming fromthe E² PROM 230. Additionally, E² PROM 230 may include programming thatallows the text in the LCD 270 to be displayed in multiple languages(e.g., English, Spanish) or units (e.g., metric, English).

The E² PROM 230 may further include subsequent storage of information inorder to organize the LCD menu, for example based on the most commonlyselected functions or programs (e.g., the creation of a “favoriteslist”). Alternatively, the E² PROM 230 may maintain a most recently usedlist so as to present recently-used functions or programs.

In an exemplary embodiment of a LCD-based user interface shown in FIG.29, a plurality of function switches 300 are used to choose the variousfunctions or programs for the blender. Here, the function switches 300are lined up to correspond to a preprogrammed function/program displayedon the LCD 270 ₁. To select the program displayed on the LCD 270 ₁screen, the user only need to press the corresponding function switch300.

In another exemplary embodiment of a LCD-based user interface 222 ₃ asshown in FIG. 30, navigation switches 302 are used to choose the variousfunctions or programs for the blender. The navigation switches 302 aredirectional buttons (e.g., back, forward, up, down, or arrow symbols)that allow the user to navigate the LCD 270 ₂ screen until a particularfunction/program is selected using the select switch 304. A progressindicator, and/or a manual speed indicator, may appear on the LCD 270 ₂screen.

The various switches described with reference to the user interfaces 222₁, 222 ₂, 222 ₃ may be any kind of push button, membrane, or touchsensitive buttons or switch known in the art which sends a signal orcommand, or closes/opens a circuit when pressed or touched by the user.In addition, if desired, the display 236 may be a touch-sensitivescreen, whereby a user may input operation functions by touching thescreen. Additional control methods may also be used, such asvoice-recognition programs, remote controls, or other features.

The microcontroller 224 may be programmed to implement only certainfunctions based on which container is detected by sensors 66, 67. Forexample, the microcontroller 224 may be preprogrammed to implement themotor commands for making powdered drinks only if a regular blender orsingle serving container (e.g., via the agitator collar 190) is placedon the blender base 32. Thus, if the sensors 66, 67 detect a foodprocessor container on the blender base 32, then the microcontroller 224will not allow the powdered drinks program/function to be selected andimplemented. In such a circumstance, if the user wants to make powdereddrinks with a food processor container, the user may do so manuallyusing the manual speed switches 280 and 282.

The sensors 66, 67 and the microcontroller 224 may also be used todetermine what items are displayed on the display 236. For example, if amixing container (e.g., the collared jar 34 or a combination of theagitator collar 190 and an attached container) is sensed by the sensors66, 67, then the microprocessor instructs display of preprogrammedroutines for mixing containers.

FIG. 31 shows a process for operating the blender base 32 with theLED-based user interface 222 ₁ in accordance with one aspect of thepresent invention. Beginning at step 310, the user first turns on thepower by pressing the power switch 274 ₁. After a container and bladeunit (e.g., the collared jar 34 and the blade unit 112) have beenproperly secured to blender base 32, and food or drink is loaded intothe collared jar, the user then selects a function/program for theblender base at step 312 by pressing any of the various functionswitches 286. If there is a particular function switch that is notavailable (e.g., no preprogrammed motor controls for that function), theuser can manually control the motor with manual speed switches 280 and282. Additionally, a preset function switch 286 may not work if thesensors 66, 67 detect an incompatible type of container for thatfunction. Manual speed switches 280 and 282 could be used in thatsituation as well. An LED 292 on the selected function switch 286 lightsup to indicate to the user the current selection.

Once a function is successfully chosen, the start/stop switch 276 ₁ ispressed at step 314 to begin the programmed operation. Themicrocontroller 224 runs the motor 234 based on the preprogrammed motorcommands stored in read only memory 228 for that selected function orprogram. As described above, preprogrammed motor commands may includeinstructions on, for example, how fast the motor will run, the directionof blade rotation, the reversal of the blade rotation direction, theduration of rotation in a given direction, the oscillation of the bladeunit, etc. A soft start program 330 (FIG. 21) in the microcontroller 224may be provided to control or slow the acceleration of the motor 234 toa desired speed for better processing or mixing than prior conventionalblenders where the motor accelerates to the maximum speed as fast aspossible.

As motor 234 runs during operation step 316, the progress of the programis displayed on the progress indicator 294 while the microcontroller 224continues to execute the preprogrammed motor commands. If desired, thesensor 254 may be used to determine if the speed of the motor 234 hasexceeded a threshold amount relative to the motor's torque-speed curve(step 318). If so, the microcontroller 224 may instruct the motor 234accordingly. For example, the microcontroller 224 may instruct the motorto shut down. However, in accordance with one aspect of the presentinvention, for some preprogrammed routines, such as those that involvecrushing and cutting of ice, the microcontroller 224 may instruct themotor to momentarily reverse direction, thereby possibly dislodging thecause of the strain on the motor (step 320). The process may thenproceed back to operation (step 316). If desired, the microprocessor maytry only a set amount of times (e.g., twice) to reverse and dislodge themotor 234.

At step 322, the pause/resume switch 279 ₁ may be pressed by the user totemporarily stop the blender operation. The program remains in effect,but the implementation of the preprogrammed motor commands is suspendedand the status stored so that when the pause/resume switch 26 is pressedagain at block 35, the microcontroller 15 at operation block 36 willsimply resume the program from where it left off. Thus, for example, ifthe program contained a preprogrammed motor command to rotate the motorat 60 rps for ten seconds, and the pause/resume switch 26 is pressed atstep 322 five seconds into the program, then when the pause/resumeswitch 26 is pressed again at block 35, the motor will resume rotationat 60 rps for another five seconds before ending the program.

If the operation has not been paused, then the program simply continuesuntil all of the preprogrammed motor commands for that function orprogram are fulfilled at step 324. A termination tone may sound to alertthe user of the program completion. If the user is not satisfied withthe result and would like to continue the same program for an arbitrarytime period, the user may depress the pulse switch 278 ₁ after theprogram ends.

The user can then turn off the blender at step 326, or begin the processagain at step 314 by, loading new materials into the collared jar 34 andthen selecting a function/program.

FIG. 32 illustrates a logic flowchart for the operation of the blenderbase 32 with an LCD-based user interface 222 ₂ or 222 ₃, in accordancewith one aspect of the present invention. The power is first turned onat step 332 by pressing power switch 274. A menu of options (FIG. 33) isthen displayed on the LCD 270 at step 334. A standard menu may appeareach time the power is turned on, or the menu may vary depending onwhich container is placed on the base 2 as detected by sensors 66, 67.For example, if sensors 66, 67 identify a blender container (e.g., thecollared jar 34) on the blender base 32, then the LCD menu 270 maydisplay blender functions (e.g., a choice between drinks or food, asshown in FIG. 33) instead of food processor functions (e.g., fruits,vegetables, etc.) The menu may also include an option for choosing whichlanguage or measurement unit to display. Additionally, the menu may beset up depending on the functions or programs most frequently selectedby the user. As described earlier, E² PROM 230 may be programmed toremember the most popular selections and to display them at the start ofeach operation for the user to choose.

At step 336, the user navigates through the LCD menu using thenavigation switches 302 and makes selections using the select switch304, or the user simply makes a selection using the function switch 300.If a particular function is not available on the menu, the user maymanually control the motor with manual speed switches 280 and 282. Afunction may not be displayed if the preprogrammed motor controls forthat function are not available, or if that function is not availablefor the type of container detected by sensor 66, 67.

In any event, in the examples shown in FIG. 33, “Drinks” are chosen bythe user, which navigates the user to a screen (FIG. 34) where the useris shown a number of types of drinks that may be mixed by the blender.After choosing “frozen drinks,” the user is navigated to a screen (FIG.35) showing particular drinks. The user selects “Margarita.”

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the read onlymemory includes recipes and/or instructions for blending or processingcertain items of food or drinks. The recipe is presented to the user instep 338. An example of a recipe for a margarita is shown in FIG. 36.The user may then select “done” to go forward with the preprogrammedroutine for the margarita.

Once a function is chosen, the start/stop switch 276 is then pressed atstep 340 to begin the operation. The microcontroller 224 then runs themotor 234 based on the preprogrammed motor commands stored in read onlymemory 228 for that selected function/program.

As the motor 234 runs at operation step 342, the progress of the programis displayed on the LCD 270 (FIG. 37) while the microcontroller 224continues to monitor and implement the preprogrammed motor commands. Asdescribed earlier, the microcontroller 224 may also be programmed withan enhanced speed control for the motor as well as a sensor control.

At step 344, the pause/resume switch 279 may be pressed to temporarilystop the program (e.g., suspending the current implementation ofpreprogrammed motor commands). The status of these commands are storedby E² PROM 230 so that when the pause/resume switch 279 is pressed againat step 340, the microcontroller 224 at operation step 342 will simplyrun the program from where it left off.

If the operation has not been paused, then the program simply continuesuntil all of the preprogrammed motor commands for that function arefulfilled at step 346. A termination tone may sound to alert the user ofthe program completion. If the user is not satisfied with the result andwould like to continue the same program for an arbitrary time period,the user may depress the pulse switch 278 after the program ends.

At the end of the program, the LCD 270 returns to step 334 to displaythe menu again and the user may proceed with another operation.Alternatively, the user may turn off the blender base 32 at step 348.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, as a routine isrunning, a user may activate one of the manual speed buttons 280, 282.Preferably, doing so causes the motor speed for each operation duringthe routine to increment. The amount each step increments may bedetermined based upon how long the manual speed buttons are depressed.Alternatively, the motor speed may be changed for only the particularsegment of the routine that is currently operating. Preferably, thechanges are not recorded to the read only memory 228 so that the routineoperates in the original modes (e.g., speeds) when the routine issubsequently selected. Alternatively, a programming or similar buttonmay be provided to permanently save the changes.

Preferably, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, theblender base 32 includes an audible tone indicator 349 (FIG. 21) that isassociated with the microcontroller 224. The audible tone indicator maybe a buzzer, a bell, a whistle, a recording of a human voice or thelike, that gives an audible tone when the programmed routines arecomplete, when the user needs to add ingredients to a recipe, or anytimethat the user presses a button for simple feedback.

FIG. 38 shows a process for setting possible operations of the blenderbase 32 in accordance with the particular container (e.g., blendercontainer or food processor container) located on the blender base.Beginning at step 350, the sensors 66, 67 determine the presence of acontainer on the blender base 32. If the container is a blendercontainer (e.g., the collared jar 34 or the threaded jar 36), then step352 branches to step 354, where the microcontroller enables blenderroutines for the blender base 32. As described, earlier, this may, forexample, involve displaying the routines on the LCD user interface 222 ₂or 222 ₃, or making blender function buttons available and active on theLED user interface 222 ₁. In addition, some other processes, such asfood processor routines, may be disabled or not available (step 356).

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the manual speedrange for the blender base may be determined by the type of containerpresent on the blender base 32. For example, the manual speed range maybe higher for a blender container, and lower for a food processorcontainer, so that the respective blades of these two containers mayoperate at their standard speeds. Thus, in accordance with this aspectof the present invention, the manual speed of blender base is set toblender at step 358.

If the container is not a blender container, step 352 branches to step360, where a determination is made if the container is a food processorcontainer. If so, step 360 branches to step 362, where food processorroutines are enabled. Likewise, some routines, e.g., blender routines,may be disabled (step 364). The manual speed of the blender base 32 isset to the food processor range in step 366.

If the container is neither a blender container or a food processorcontainer, then step 360 k branches to step 368, where themicrocontroller handles accordingly. For example, a separate type ofcontainer may be utilized with the blender base 32, and routines and/ora particular speed range may be available for that type of container.

Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus,while the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof isshown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It shouldbe understood, however, that there is no intention to limit theinvention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary,the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions,and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, asdefined in the appended claims.

1-52. (canceled)
 53. A blender base, comprising: a drive for rotating ablade unit; and a dual-wound motor configured to rotate the blade unitin reverse and forward directions.
 54. The blender base of claim 53,further comprising speed controls for setting the speed of the motor inboth the reverse and forward directions.
 55. The blender base of claim54, wherein the speed controls comprise at least one triac. 56-104.(canceled)
 105. A blender base, comprising: a drive for rotating a bladeunit; a dual-wound motor configured to rotate the blade unit in reverseand forward directions; a user interface; and a microcontroller incommunication with the motor and the user interface, and comprisingmemory, the memory including preprogrammed motor routines, eachassociated with different sequences of motor functions, a first of themotor routines including both forward and reverse directions of themotor; wherein the microcontroller is operative to retrieve the firstpreprogrammed motor routine from the memory in response to userselection of an input associated with the first preprogrammed motorroutine, and to operate the first preprogrammed motor routine duringwhich the motor operates in both reverse and forward directions inaccordance with the first preprogrammed motor routine.
 106. The blenderbase of claim 105, wherein the user interface comprises a plurality offunction switches associated, with the preprogrammed motor routines anda light emitting diode for each of the plurality of function switches,the light emitting diode illuminating when a respective one of theplurality of function switches is activated.
 107. The blender base ofclaim 105, wherein the user interface includes a progress indicatorconfigured to display the progress of a preprogrammed motor routine thatis currently operating.
 108. The blender base of claim 105, wherein theuser interface includes a first manual speed switch, a second manualspeed switch, and a manual speed indicator.
 109. The blender base ofclaim 108, wherein the manual speed indicator comprises at least onelight emitting diode which is responsive to actuation by the firstmanual speed switch or the second manual speed switch.
 110. The blenderbase of claim 105, wherein the user interface includes a display. 111.The blender base of claim 110, wherein the microcontroller is operativeto display a menu of preprogrammed motor routines on the display, andwherein the menu of preprogrammed motor routines displayed is variablebased upon one or more operating conditions of the blender base. 112.The blender base of claim 111, wherein one operating condition of theblender base comprises most commonly chosen preprogrammed motorroutines, so that the microcontroller is operative to display a menu ofthe most commonly chosen preprogrammed motor routines on the display.113. The blender base of claim 112, wherein the user interface includesa plurality of function switches, each associated with one of thepreprogrammed motor routines shown on the display.
 114. The blender baseof claim 105, further comprising a sensor assembly disposed in theblender base operative to detect which one of at least two differenttypes of containers that may be mounted on the base, and wherein themicrocontroller is operative to make available for implementation atleast one of the preprogrammed motor routines upon detection of one typeof container being mounted upon the blender base, and to make availablefor implementation at least one other of the preprogrammed motorroutines upon detection of another type of container being mounted uponthe blender base.
 115. The blender base of claim 105, wherein the userinterface includes a pause switch and the microcontroller is operativeto pause one of the preprogrammed motor routines upon a first activationof the pause switch and being operative upon a second activation of thepause switch to resume the preprogrammed motor routine.
 116. The blenderbase of claim 105, wherein each programmed motor routine is associatedwith a continuation routine that includes at least one motor function,and the user interface includes a pulse switch and wherein themicrocontroller is operative to operate the motor in the continuationroutine for a preprogrammed motor routine in response to activation ofthe pulse switch after the preprogrammed motor routine has beencompleted.
 117. The blender base of claim 116, wherein the continuationroutine comprises a most recent motor speed and direction of the motorin the preprogrammed motor routine.
 118. The blender base of claim 116,wherein the continuation function for a preprogrammed motor routinecomprises a subset of the sequence of the motor functions for thepreprogrammed motor routine.
 119. The blender base of claim 116, whereinthe continuation function for a particular preprogrammed motor routinecomprises both forward and reverse rotation of the motor.
 120. Theblender base of claim 105, wherein the memory is an E² PROM.